Adaptable Lightweight Bra Overlay Garment

ABSTRACT

An adaptable garment capable of being worn in different configurations is disclosed, ranging from very conservative to very revealing, and which allows for the release of excess body heat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present application is in the field of overlay garments for women. Specifically, the present application is in the field of lightweight bra overlay garments. More specifically, the present application is in the field of lightweight bra overlay garments, which are adaptable to various outer garment styles, such as ill-fitting or revealing, low-cut blouses.

2. Background of the Invention

Generally, women must wear overlay garments to cover up undergarments, such as brassieres, which provide support for their breasts. Typical undergarments, such as common bras, have over-shoulder straps and wire frames that provide structure to the undergarment. However, many of the fashionable clothing styles women prefer today exhibit quite low-cut cleavage, rendering them neither appropriate nor comfortable enough to wear without wearing undergarments to provide cleavage coverage.

There have been numerous attempts to resolve the various problems described herein, as well as others, yet so far, each proposed solution has proven inadequate. For instance, a camisole is a sleeveless, tight-fitting woman's undergarment, which covers the top part of a woman's body. Camisoles are sometimes worn cropped, thereby allowing midriff exposure, but often cover the entire torso. A camisole can be worn over a brassiere or without one. Some camisoles come with a built-in underwire bra that eliminates the need for a brassiere. Typically, camisoles are manufactured from satin or silk, or stretch materials such as lycra, nylon, or spandex, though cotton based materials are more common. However, traditional camisoles suffer limitations, as do many of today's brassieres.

First, camisoles typically have an over-shoulder strap, and thus suffer the similar limitations of typical brassieres. A further limitation of traditional camisoles is that the fabric that they are composed of may be designed to cover the entire torso. For women who are in menopause, such coverage becomes extremely uncomfortable during periods of fluctuating body temperatures, commonly referred to as “hot flashes.” Thus, camisoles that completely wrap around the wearer's torso trap in body heat, a limitation addressed by the present application. And, although common “tube tops” are typically strapless, addressing one of the limitations of camisoles, like camisoles tube tops trap in excess body heat. Also, camisoles have a tendency to “ride up” the wearer's torso when the garment is too short to tuck into the wearer's waistband. Conversely, camisoles which are long enough to tuck into the wearer's waistband present the added problems of trapping in excess body heat, as mentioned above, and creating undesirable visible undergarment lines beneath the wearer's outer clothing, which is not preferred in professional and other formal settings. In addition, smoothing and slimming garments have become very popular, but they are very unattractive if viewed beneath clothing. All of the shortcomings presented by camisoles and tube tops are addressed by the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application seeks to provide a lightweight bra overlay garment, adaptable such that the wearer may have one garment from which she will be able to choose from more than one fashion style, ranging from conservative to casual to sexy.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lightweight bra overlay garment that is adaptable to various outer clothing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a lightweight bra overlay garment that allows women to wear revealing outer clothing without the need for additional straps or bulky fabric around the waist or torso.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a garment which menopausal women may tolerate during hot flashes.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a garment for survivors of mastectomy surgery, which may provide support for prosthetic devices as well as additional coverage for scars and other effects of the surgery while still offering a variety of fashion styles to the wearer.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lightweight bra overlay garment for nursing mothers which facilitates the nursing process by providing easy access to the breasts to allow nursing and easy covering when nursing is completed.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a garment for women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery, which allows the women to wear post-surgery support garments but still have an attractive cleavage/décolletage area.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a garment for a woman to wear over slimming body wear which does not have aesthetic appeal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other objectives of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described. The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a forward facing perspective view of the adaptable bra overlay garment.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a back plan view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 1, with the back side of the adaptable bra overlay garment as it would appear in full reveal mode on the chest side of a wearer.

FIG. 6 is a front facing view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 1, with the back side of the adaptable bra overlay garment as it would appear in full reveal mode on the chest side of a wearer.

FIG. 7 is a back plan view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 1, with the front side of adaptable bra overlay garment as it would appear in full reveal mode on the back side of a wearer.

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 7, with the front side of adaptable bra overlay garment as it would appear in full reveal mode on the back side of a wearer.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 1, with the back side of the adaptable bra overlay garment as it would appear when inverted 180 degrees into the partial reveal mode where the back of the garment is situated on the front side of a wearer.

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 1, with the back side of adaptable bra overlay garment as it would appear when inverted 180 degrees in the partial reveal mode of FIG. 9 where the back of the garment is situated on the front side of a wearer.

FIG. 11 is a back plan view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 1, with the back side of adaptable bra overlay garment as it would appear when inverted 180 degrees in the partial reveal mode of FIG. 9 where the front of the garment is situated on the back side of a wearer.

FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the adaptable bra overlay garment of FIG. 1, as it would appear when inverted 180 degrees in the partial reveal mode of FIG. 9 and where the back of the garment is situated on the front side of a wearer.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFFERED EMBODIMENTS

As displayed in FIGS. 1-3, the adaptable lightweight bra overlay 1 of the present application generally has a revealing panel 9. The revealing panel 9 will vary in width and length, depending on the size of the garment. Typically, the revealing panel 9 will have a length of between 6 and 12 inches, and vary in width between 30 and 40 inches. However, Applicant contemplates measurements beyond these ranges and which are necessary to form a garment capable of fitting any sized user. In the present embodiment, the revealing panel 9 is composed of a uniform material, such as either a lace pattern, or a sheer fabric. However, Applicant also contemplates a design whereby the revealing panel 9 could have one half comprising a lace fabric and one half a sheer fabric, or any combination thereof. Likewise, the transparency of the revealing panel 9 will vary depending on the type of fabric used, from completely transparent, sheer fabric, to fabric that is barely transparent at all.

As displayed by FIGS. 3 and 4 the adaptable lightweight bra overlay 1 of the present application also generally has a shrouded panel 11. Said shrouded panel 11 generally is joined to the revealing panel 9 at the panel interface 15. The shrouded panel 11 also borders the revealing strip 5 along the panel-strip interface 13. Although the present embodiment displays the revealing strip 5 being comprised of the same material as the revealing panel 9, applicant contemplates alternate embodiments where the revealing strip 5 and the revealing panel 9 are made of different fabrics.

Together, FIGS. 1-4 display the functionality of the adaptable lightweight bra overlay 1 in the full reveal mode. In this configuration, the wearer places the adaptable lightweight bra overlay 1 over her body and pulls it down to cover her breasts and torso. In the full reveal mode, the adaptable lightweight bra overlay 1 is positioned such that the full revealing edge 2 rests above the breasts. The full revealing edge 2 circumscribes the upper torso above the breasts, traveling under each armpit area and across the back via the revealing strip 5. The revealing strip 5 abuts the solid panel 11 at the strip interface 13, as seen in FIGS. 3 & 4. Also in this mode, the half revealing edge 3 is positioned below the breasts at or near the waist, depending on the length of the embodiment of the invention. This half revealing edge 3 abuts the shrouded edge 7 at the panel interface 15, as seen in FIG. 4.

Once positioned in the full reveal mode, the adaptable lightweight bra overlay 1 provides the benefit of coverage typically provided by a camisole or tube top. However, unlike a camisole or tube top, the revealing panel 9 provides for the release of body temperature, thus addressing the issue of overheating many women suffering menopause experience. Further, this mode specifically provides the wearer with a sexier, more revealing fashion style not available in typical camisoles or tube tops, since the front of the adaptable lightweight overlay bra 1 reveals the wearer's body in this configuration, including the breasts and/or cleavage depending on the chosen outerwear.

FIGS. 5-8 depict the adaptable lightweight bra overlay 1 in the partial reveal mode. This mode provides similar functionality and benefit as with the full reveal mode, but with a slightly more conservative fashion style because only the revealing strip 5 portion of the adaptable lightweight overlay bra 1 reveals the wearer's cleavage. However, unlike with the full revealing mode, the breasts themselves are covered by the shrouded panel 11. Although this configuration would appear very similar to the standard camisole mentioned above, this mode provides the added benefit of a breathable back revealing panel 9. Thus, a wearer in this configuration gets the front coverage of a typical camisole, and the breathability of the present invention, but with a more conservative front appearance. The ability of this invention to serve multiple alternate functions is a principal benefit of the configuration of the adaptable light bra overlay 1.

It should be noted that although the present embodiment displays a revealing strip 5 that is quite small as compared to the shrouded panel 11, applicant contemplates alternate embodiments where the revealing strip 5 varies in size from merely a lace or sheer border, to a large area of revealing fabric. Other embodiments will also be known or readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

FIGS. 9-12 depict yet another available fashion style choice for the wearer, the shrouded mode. This mode again provides the functionality and benefits described above in conjunction with the alternate modes, but also provides the wearer with the most conservative fashion style. In this mode, the revealing strip 5 is positioned below the breasts, such that the shrouded edge 7 rests above the breasts. In this configuration, no cleavage or skin is clearly visible above the strip interface 13, thus providing the most conservative appearance available of the different modes.

The different modes described above may be used to best address the needs for the wearer. For instance, a breast cancer survivor who wishes to hide scars from the mastectomy may wish to use the shrouded mode. Whereas, a recipient of breast augmentation surgery may opt for the full reveal mode in order to display her final results. Further, a wearer may opt to wear the present invention with or without a bra, especially since each mode is compatible with wearing a separate bra or not.

Even further alternative embodiments than disclosed herein may be practiced depending on the use of the alternative embodiments described herein, and in any event, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. 

1. An adaptable garment comprising: A shrouded panel; Operationally configured such that said shrouded panel may cover the front side of the wearer's body or, alternatively, cover the back side of the wearer's body; A revealing panel; Fixedly connected to said shrouded panel at opposing ends; Said shrouded panel and said revealing panel being operationally configured directly opposite each other forming a loop; Said revealing panel operationally configured such that it may be worn directly opposite the shrouded panel, either on the front side of the wearer's body or, alternatively, the back side of the wearer's body, depending on the position of said shrouded panel; A revealing strip; Fixedly connected to said shrouded panel at a strip interface and operationally configured to be capable of being worn above or, alternatively, below a woman's breasts and opposite said revealing panel.
 2. The adaptable garment of claim 1, wherein: said garment is configured to be rotatable by 180 degrees and further comprising said revealing portion comprised of stretchable fabric.
 3. The adaptable garment of claim 1, further comprising a shrouded panel with at least one lace fabric border.
 4. The adaptable garment of claim 1, further comprising a shrouded panel with at least one sheer fabric border.
 5. The adaptable garment of claim 1, said shrouded panel comprising any length from between 3 and 36 inches.
 6. The adaptable garment of claim 1, said revealing panel comprising any length from between 3 and 36 inches.
 7. The adaptable garment of claim 1, further comprising said shrouded panel with a width of between 3 and 36 inches.
 8. The adaptable garment of claim 1, further comprising said revealing panel with a width of between 3 and 36 inches.
 9. The adaptable garment of claim 1, said revealing panel further comprising at least one edge flat finished with no visible hem.
 10. The adaptable garment of claim 1, said shrouded panel further comprising at least one edge flat finished with no visible hem.
 11. The adaptable garment of claim 1, said adaptable garment comprising multiple fabrics that each exhibit desired qualities, said desired qualities being selected from fabrics that provide a revealing appearance or a shrouded appearance.
 12. A method of using an adaptable garment, comprising: Placing the adaptable garment around the torso, such that said adaptable garment circumnavigates the torso by traveling across the top of the breasts, underneath the armpits, and traverses the mid-back without the aid of over-shoulder straps, said garment comprising a revealing panel and said garment further comprising a shrouded panel opposed to one another. Rotating the garment into position such that said shrouded panel is positioned to cover the wearer's breasts and said revealing panel is positioned to cover the wearer's back.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Rotating said garment 180° such that said shrouded panel cover's the wearer's back and said revealing panel covers the wearer's breasts, thereby revealing said breasts through said revealing panel, whereby a sexier appearance is created
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Pulling the upper edge of the garment down to reveal the breast and nipple, such that the wearer may provide milk to a nursing infant.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Rotating the garment such that said shrouded panel of the garment is positioned to cover the wearer's breasts, said shrouded panel of the garment further comprising a revealing strip operationally configured to reveal a portion of the wearer's cleavage, whereby a sexier appearance is created.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Rotating the garment into such a position such that the shrouded panel of the garment covers scarred areas or healing areas of a wearer who has recently undergone surgical procedures, thus providing a treatment to surgical patients via a garment that provides coverage, yet also is positioned such that said revealing panel, and/or said revealing strip, allows the wearer to reveal non-scarred areas.
 17. A method for treating women suffering menopausal hot-flashes comprising: Using an adaptable bra overlay garment comprising a shrouded panel and further comprising a revealing panel; said shrouded panel and said revealing panel being operationally configured directly opposite each other; said shrouded panel and said revealing panel being fixedly connected to one another; Securing said garment around the wearer's torso, such that said adaptable garment circumnavigates the torso by traveling across the top of the breasts, underneath the armpits, and traverses the mid-back without the aid of over-shoulder straps; Rotating the garment into position such that said shrouded panel is positioned to cover the wearer's breasts and said revealing panel is positioned to cover the wearer's back and release unwanted body heat through said revealing panel. 